Composite Sensor With Shared Electrode for Glucose and Ketones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diabetic patients to monitor glucose levels are invasive and inconvenient, requiring periodic blood collection, and do not account for other relevant indicators like ketone levels.
Innovation Solution
A composite sensor comprising a first and second sensor with respective electrodes and sensing layers, and a shared counter electrode, capable of measuring both glucose and ketone levels through potential differences when in contact with bodily analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for glucose and ketone measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing layers (glucose sensing layer and ketone sensing layer) onto a single probe structure with shared electrodes (working electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode). This merging approach allows simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes while reducing the number of separate sensor assemblies needed, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe structure is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different sensing layers that can detect various analytes (glucose, ketone, and potentially other components). The shared electrode system enables this multi-functional capability, allowing one probe to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used, then comprehensive analyte monitoring is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated probe that can be inserted once into the subcutaneous tissue, the system eliminates the need for users to manage and attach multiple separate sensors. The unified structure maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while significantly improving ease of operation through simplified application procedure
3Ease of manufacture
If a composite sensor structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is segmented into distinct sensing layers (glucose sensing layer, ketone sensing layer) that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled onto the probe structure with electrodes. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized and manufactured independently, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining precision through controlled assembly procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of both glucose and ketone levels, improving accuracy and convenience by eliminating the need for separate transmitters and simplifying the attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
when the first sensing layer contacts an analyte in a body, the counter electrode is configured to cause a first potential difference with the first electrode based on a first component included in the analyte, and when the second sensing layer contacts the analyte, the counter electrode is configured to cause a second potential difference with the second electrode based on a second component included in the analyte
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a composite sensor may be provided comprising: a first sensor including a first substrate comprising a first body and a first probe, a first electrode, and a first sensing layer disposed on the first probe; a second sensor including a second substrate comprising a second body and a second probe, a second electrode, and a second sensing layer disposed on the second probe; and a counter electrode disposed between the first sensor and the second sensor; wherein, when the first sensing layer contacts an analyte in a body, the counter electrode is configured to cause a first potential difference with the first electrode based on a first component included in the analyte, and when the second sensing layer contacts the analyte, the counter electrode is configured to cause a second potential difference with the second electrode based on a second component included in the analyte.